Mount Kenya leaders demand Cleophas Malala’s post ahead of UDA polls
A section of leaders from Mount Kenya are now calling for the region to be handed the Secretary General’s position in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The position, considered among the most influential in the ruling party, is currently occupied by Cleophas Malala in an acting capacity.
Nairobi News understands Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro is among those fronted for the secretary general position ahead of the polls.
Speaking in Nyeri, the leaders led by area Governor Mutahi Kahiga advocated for the restructuring of the political outfit.
The leaders further proposed for the restructuring of other party positions, including the Deputy Leader’s seat which should be reserved for one person. Similarly, they have asked that the seat be presrved for the Mount Kenya region, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggested for the role.
The push for leadership positions comes at a time UDA is gearing up for countrywide grassroots elections.
The leaders assert that, within the party structure, there should be a defined role for both a Party Leader and a single Deputy Party Leader.
The rest of the positions, they argue, can be more flexible, allowing individuals to assume roles based on their strengths and preferences.
“They must be a party leader and a deputy party leader the rest can be whatever they want to be,” they said.
President Ruto recently announced that UDA will head to the polls in December 2023.
The move has attracted internal competition with leaders seeking positions within the party so as to position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
DP Gachagua has consistently claimed in recent times that the Mount Kenya region has the largest shares in government in the wake of its contribution to President William Ruto’s victory in the August 2022 polls.
The President hashowever dismissed that notion claiming that the government belongs to all Kenyans irrespectively of their political affiliations.
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